System and method for magnetic coupling jet with air control

ABSTRACT

A fluid displacing apparatus, system, and method is provided. The apparatus includes a motor having a first shaft, the motor for rotating the first shaft; a first magnetic element coupled to the first shaft such that rotation of the first shaft causes rotation of the first magnetic element; a second magnetic element coupled to a second shaft, and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic element such that rotation of the first magnetic element causes rotation of the second magnetic element; an input section for receiving a fluid; an output section for outputting the fluid; a channel having first and second openings; and an impeller coupled to the second magnetic element such that rotation of the second magnetic element causes rotation of the impeller, thereby the fluid flows in the input section and out the output section. The flow of the fluid across the second opening of the channel encourages another fluid to flow in the first opening, through the channel, and out the second opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/405,938filed Mar. 17, 2009 by inventors Kevin Le and Thanh Le, entitled “NOVELELECTROMAGNETIC COUPLING JET APPARATUS,” the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a spa device. In particular, thepresent invention relates to a spa apparatus for use in activitiesemploying a massage jet pump, such as in pedicures or otherapplications.

BACKGROUND

It is generally known to provide for a spa device, such as health spas,whirlpools, jet stream exercisers, foot spas, etc. Such known spadevices are typically used in commercial and recreational settings forhydrotherapy, massage, stimulation, pedicure, and bathing purposes.However, such spa devices typically include a motor in order to drive apump. The shaft of the motor may be used to directly mount the impellerwhich may contact the water. Since the motor may not operate wet, a sealor a series of seals may be required to prevent water from entering themotor. The seals will wear to the point where water will enter the motorand consequently, the entering water may cause the motor to bum out. Atthis point, the motor assembly may be replaced in order to continueoperation. This is expensive and may take several hours in which toperform.

It is generally known to provide for a spa device, such as health spas,whirlpools, jet stream exercisers, foot spas, etc. Such known spadevices are typically used in commercial and recreational settings forhydrotherapy, massage, stimulation, pedicure, and bathing purposes.However, such spa devices have several disadvantages including beingdifficult to thoroughly clean, requiring complicated maintenanceschedules.

Several patents exist which describe spa related items and a briefdescription of a portion of these patents are found here in.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,168,107 discloses a spa apparatus and method forcleaning the same are disclosed. The spa apparatus includes a basin forretaining fluid, a removable foot rest plate positioned within thebasin, an impeller coupled to the basin, and a motor drivably coupled tothe impeller.

GB 2156218A describes a footbath which is in addition provided withvarious massaging means. In particular a vibrator is provided in orderto have a massaging effect on the calf of a user, while massagingprojections act on the soles of the feet. A vibrator is provided so thatthe massaging projections exert a massaging function. U.S. Pat. No.4,569,337 discloses a massaging apparatus for the feet which isreversible between a dry condition in which it simply acts as a massagerand a wet condition in which it acts as a footbath. A vibrator foreffecting the massaging action is referred to, but is not described inany detail. U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,580 discloses a footbath where the footsupports within the footbath are reciprocated to achieve a massagingeffect. U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,735 describes a footbath where foot supportsare provided with protuberances, and in combination with a vibratingmotor assembly and a vibrating plate these protuberances will carry outa massaging action. U.S. Pat. No. 7,393,188 discloses a whirlpoolmagnetic fluid pump assembly to be used in combination with a containerhaving a wall. The pump assembly comprises a first casing disposedoutside the container, and a second casing disposed inside thecontainer. The pump uses two magnetic discs to provide the couplingbetween the first and second casing. Water turbulence is generated by animpeller on the second casing side. No axial flow water jet stream isproduced, which is not suitable for hydromassaging pump in pedicures orother applications.

SUMMARY

One of the broader forms of an embodiment of the present inventioninvolves a jet pump apparatus. The apparatus includes a motor having afirst shaft, the motor for rotating the first shaft; a first magneticelement coupled to the first shaft such that rotation of the first shaftcauses rotation of the first magnetic element; a second magnetic elementcoupled to a second shaft, and magnetically coupled to the firstmagnetic element such that rotation of the first magnetic element causesrotation of the second magnetic element; an input section for receivinga fluid; an output section for outputting the fluid; a channel havingfirst and second openings; and an impeller coupled to the secondmagnetic element such that rotation of the second magnetic elementcauses rotation of the impeller, thereby the fluid flows in the inputsection and out the output section. The flow of the fluid across thesecond opening of the channel encourages another fluid to flow in thefirst opening, through the channel, and out the second opening.

Another one of the broader forms of embodiment of the present inventioninvolves a method for displacing fluid using a magnetically coupled jetpump that includes a motor, primary and secondary shafts, a primary airchannel, and primary and secondary magnetic elements, the primarymagnetic element being coupled to the primary shaft and the secondarymagnetic element being magnetically coupled to the primary magneticelement, being coupled to the secondary shaft, and being coupled to animpeller. The method includes driving the motor so that the primarymagnetic element rotates, thereby causing rotation of the secondarymagnetic element and rotation of the impeller; receiving the fluidthrough an input section of the jet pump; disturbing the fluid with therotating impeller; and outputting the fluid through an output section ofthe jet pump, the fluid passing over an opening of a channel encouragesair to flow through the channel and out the opening of the channel.

Yet another one of the broader forms of an embodiment of the presentinvention involves a system that includes a basin for containing thefluid; a jet pump; and an insert disposed in the basin for receiving thejet pump in a manner so that a portion of the jet pump is disposed inthe fluid. The jet pump includes: a motor having a first shaft, themotor for rotating the first shaft; a first magnetic element coupled tothe first shaft such that rotation of the first shaft causes rotation ofthe first magnetic element; a second magnetic element coupled to asecond shaft, and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic elementsuch that rotation of the first magnetic element causes rotation of thesecond magnetic element; an input section for receiving the fluid; anoutput section for outputting the fluid; a channel having first andsecond openings; and an impeller coupled to the second magnetic elementsuch that rotation of the second magnetic element causes rotation of theimpeller, thereby the fluid flows in the input section and out theoutput section. The flow of the fluid across the second opening of thechannel encourages another fluid to flow in the first opening, throughthe channel, and out the second opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pump of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the pedicure spa and jet pumpof the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the front cover, in whichguides the water into two parallel jet streams;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another front cover, in whichguides the water into two jet streams that are 45 degrees with respectto the shaft axis;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the jet pump;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the second magnetic pole arrayand ended with the impeller for centrifugal jet pump;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the jet assembly;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodimentof a pump according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective side view of the pump shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a jet assembly and mounting housingmember of the pump shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective top view of an impeller assembly ofthe pump shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the impellerassembly shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the impeller assemblyshown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective side view of another alternativeembodiment of a pump according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective side view of yet another alternativeembodiment of a pump according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective side view of still another alternativeembodiment of a pump according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a detachable circular memberof the pump shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a regulating device that canbe implemented in the various embodiments disclosed herein; and

FIG. 19 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a jacuzzi system according tovarious aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the magnetically coupledpedicure spa jet pump 100 of the present invention. The spa jet pump 100may include a motor member 101 which may be connected to a first shaftmember 113 which may be connected to a first magnetic pole array 103which may be formed from magnetic material and may be magnetized inorder to generate a magnetic field. The motor member 101 may beelectrically connected to an electrical source (not shown) and may beactivated by the electrical power from the electrical source and mayrotate the first shaft member 113. The first shaft member 113 may berotated by the activated motor member 101 and may rotate the firstmagnet array 103 which may cause the magnetic field 137 to move orfluctuate in accordance with the rotation of the first magnetic polearray 103. The first magnetic pole array 103 may be enclosed with amounting housing member 115 and gasket 102 which may be referred to as amounting housing 115 to prevent fluid from contaminating the motormember 101.

The first magnetic pole array 103 may generate a fluctuating magneticfield so that when the second magnetic pole array 105 is placed inrelative close proximity to the first magnetic pole array member 103,the fluctuating magnetic field 137 may cooperate with the secondmagnetic pole array 105 in order to rotate the second magnetic polearray 105. The second magnetic pole array 105 may be formed frommagnetic material so that the fluctuating magnetic field 137 maycooperate with the second magnetic pole array 105. The second magneticpole array 105 may be centrally positioned in the jet assembly 109 whichmay include a back cover 131 and a front cover 119 and may rotate on asecond shaft 117 and may be rotatably connected to an impeller member107. The impeller member 107 may be connected to an input port to allowfluid to flow into the impeller member 107 and may be connected to anoutput port 111 to allow the fluid to be pumped exterior to the jet pump100. The impeller member 107 may rotate in cooperation with the secondmagnetic pole array 105 and may be integral or formed separate with thesecond magnetic pole array 105. Electronic sensor 151 may provide asignal to indicate the presence of the jet assembly 109 and mayautomatically shut down the motor when the jet assembly is removed fromthe pump or no water in the basin. Electronic sensor 151 prevents thesituation in which the motor runs without a load.

FIG. 2 illustrates the basin 241 of the pedicure spa, and the pump 100connected to the basin 241.

FIG. 3 illustrates the exterior of the front cover 1119 and illustratesinput ports 1133 being substantially centrally located in the frontcover 1119. FIG. 3 illustrates an output port 1501 (a second angledoutput port may be included which opposes the angled output port 1501)which may be angled at 90° to the face in order to output a fluid in twoparallel jet streams.

FIG. 4 illustrates the exterior of another front cover 119 andillustrates input ports 133 being substantially centrally located in thefront cover 119. FIG. 4 illustrates an angled output port 501 (a secondangled output port may be included which opposes the angled output port501) which may be angled in order to output a fluid in a jet stream at45 degrees with respect to the shaft 117.

FIG. 5 illustrates the complete jet pump 100 which includes; a jetassembly 109 to pump the water into dual jet stream, a seal gasket 102to prevent water leaking to the motor, a mounting housing 115 to allowfor pedicure spa basin mounting and to cover the first magnetic polearray, a set of four of screws with wings nut 110 to support the pumpmounting, a motor 100 to magnetically drive the jet assembly, and anelectronics sensor system 151 for jet pump control.

FIG. 6 illustrates the second magnetic pole array member 105 which iscoupled to the centrifugal impeller member 107. The impeller member 107may include a circular array of arm member 108 to centrifuge andpressurize the fluid inside the jet assembly housing and create thepowerful jet streams at the output ports 501.

FIG. 7 illustrates the jet assembly 109 which is driven by the motor 101and the first magnetic pole array 103. The housing of jet assembly 109include a front cover 119, a back cover 131. The front cover 119includes an input port 113 and two output ports 501.

The jet streams of fluid may flow substantially in a longitudinaldirection with respect to the pump 100 or the jet streams of the fluidmay flow substantially at an angle with respect to the longitudinaldirection. A front cover 119 may have input ports around the outerperiphery of the front cover 119 which may be apertures or the inputports may be a gap between the front cover 119 and the back cover 131.The input ports may also be a gap between the front cover 119 and themounting housing 115.

In order to mount the pump 100, a hole may be drilled in the basin 241.The pump 100 may be placed within the hole which may have been drilledfrom the interior of the basin 241. The mounting screws may betightened. While the mounting screws are being tightened, wing nuts 110located in exterior to the basin wall may be extended in order for themounting screws to be tightened. The mounting housing 115 may include arubber gasket 102 which may be tightened with screws and wing nuts 110.

Referring generally to FIGS. 8-13, a pump 120, that is an alternativeembodiment of the pump 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, will be discussed ingreater detail. FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of the pump 120 shownin FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a front view of a jet assembly 121 and a mountinghousing member 123 of the pump 120 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is aperspective top view of an impeller assembly 124 of the pump 120 of FIG.8. FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the impeller 124 ofFIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a perspective bottom view of the impeller 124 ofFIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 8, illustrated is a cross-sectional view of a pump 120that is an alternative embodiment of the pump 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and5. Identical or equivalent elements are identified by the same referencenumerals for the sake of clarity, and the following discussion focusesprimarily on the differences. The pump 120 has a jet assembly 121 thatincludes a front cover 119 and a back cover 132 that is different fromthe back cover 131 of the pump 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. Inparticular, the back cover 132 includes passages 134 that allow forchannels to extend therethrough. The jet assembly 121 also includes asecond magnetic pole array 122 that is disposed in or is integral withan impeller 124. Moreover, the pump 120 includes the mounting housingmember 123 that replaces the mounting housing member 115 of the pump 100shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. The mounting housing member 123 includespassages 135 that allow for channels to extend therethrough. Inaddition, the pump 120 includes two air channels 160 that extend throughthe jet assembly 121 and the mounting housing member 123. In particular,a portion of the air channels 160 is formed within the passages 134 ofthe back cover 132 and another portion of the air channels is formedwithin the passages 135 of the mounting housing member 123. The airchannels 160 each have an opening 162 on one end that is respectivelydisposed proximate one of the output ports 501. Moreover, each of theair channels 160 includes an opening on another end that is not visiblein FIG. 8, but is shown later. In addition, the pump 120 includes a pairof air input connectors 164. Each of the air input connectors 164 areconnected to a different one of the air channels 160 for coupling theopenings 162 of the air channels 160 to the other openings, shown later.In addition, the pump 120 is illustrated with angled output ports 501but may optionally include non-angled output ports such as the one 111described in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 9, illustrated is a perspective side view of the pump120. This discussion focuses primarily on the elements that were notpreviously discussed above with reference to FIG. 8. The air channels160 each have an opening 166. The openings 162 (FIG. 8) and the openings166 are at different ends of the air channels 160. Moreover, referringto FIG. 10, shown is a front view of the jet assembly 121 and mountinghousing member 123. The jet assembly 121 is similar to the jet assembly109 (in FIG. 5). Identical or equivalent elements are identified by thesame reference numerals for the sake of clarity, and the followingdiscussion focuses primarily on the differences. The jet assembly 121includes the openings 162 that are each disposed in a different one ofthe openings 501. In addition, the jet assembly 121 includes the frontcover 119 and the back cover 132 that are detachable for ease ofmaintenance and cleaning of the jet assembly. The mounting housingmember 123 is mechanically secured to a basin such as the one 241described in FIG. 2. The back cover 132 is coupled to one side of themounting housing member 123, and motor 101 are disposed on the otherside of the mounting housing member 115. Accordingly, the mountinghousing member 123 prevents fluid in the basin from contacting the motor101. The front cover 119 includes an opening 168 that receives a screwor other suitable fastener for securing the front cover 119 to the backcover 132.

Referring to FIG. 11, illustrated is a perspective top view of theimpeller 124. The impeller 124 includes circular array of arm members108 and an opening 125 that receives the shaft 117. Referring to FIG.12, illustrated is a perspective cross-sectional view of the impeller124. The inside of the impeller 124 includes a second magnetic polearray 122 that has an opening 128 for receiving the shaft 117.Accordingly, the second magnetic pole array 122 is disposed in orintegral with the impeller member 124. Furthermore, referring to FIG.13, illustrated is a perspective bottom view of the impeller 124. Thisview more clearly shows that the impeller 124 includes an opening 128that is for receiving the shaft 117.

A detailed description of the operation of the pump 120 is now provided.The pump 120 is powered by the motor 101. The motor 101 drives the shaft113, thereby rotating the first magnetic pole array 103. The magneticfield 137 changes in response to the rotation of the first magnetic polearray 113 and therefore causes the rotation of the second magnetic polearray 122 that is integral with the impeller 124. As a result, theimpeller 124 rotates in response to the rotation of the first magneticpole array 113.

In operation, the pump 120 is disposed in a fluid, such as water, and ina manner so that the fluid enters the front cover 119 through the inputports 133, thereby filling the space between the impeller 124 and thefort cover 119. The rotation of the impeller 124 and the circular arrayof arm members 108 disrupts the fluid therein that passes across theopenings 162 of the air channels 160 as it is displaced through theoutput ports 501. The flow of the fluid across the openings 162encourages a flow of air from the openings 166 (FIG. 9) to the openings162 of the air channels 160 (FIG. 8). That is, the flow of fluid acrossor over the openings 162 generates a suction force that causes air toflow in the openings 166 through the air channels 160 and out theopenings 162. This air flow is combined with the disrupted fluid that isdisplaced through the output ports 501. As a result, the fluid and airis outputted through the output ports 501 to produce a jet stream offluid and air combined. The air flow produces bubbles that rise to thesurface of the fluid and creates an aesthetically pleasing effect.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective side view of an alternative embodimentof a pump 300. The pump 300 is similar to the pumps 100 and 120respectively shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. Accordingly, identical orequivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals forthe sake of clarity, and the following discussion focuses primarily onthe differences. The pump 300 includes a back housing member 115 (FIG.1). However, the pump 300 has a back cover 303 that is different thaneither of the back covers 131, 132 of the respective pumps 100, 120. Inparticular, the pump 300 includes air channels 306 that are integral tothe back cover 303. Alternatively, the back cover 303 of the pump 300may be similar to the back cover 131 of the pump 100 (FIG. 1) and aseparate portion of the pump 300 includes the air channels 306. Each ofthe air channels 306 has an opening 309 and another opening 162 that isproximate to one of the output ports 501.

Now provided is a discussion of the operation of the pump 300. Theoperation of the pump 300 is similar to the operation of the pump 120(FIG. 8), and therefore the discussion below focuses primarily on thedifferences. In operation, the openings 309 of the air channels 306 riseabove the water level for example the water level of the basin. The flowof the fluid across the openings 162 encourages a flow of air from theopenings 309 to the openings 162 of the air channels 306. That is, theflow of fluid across or over the openings 162 generates a suction forcethat causes air to flow in the openings 309 through the air channels 306and out the openings 162. This air flow is combined with the disruptedfluid that is displaced through the output ports 501. As a result, thefluid and air is outputted through the output ports 501 to produce a jetstream of fluid and air combined. The air flow produces bubbles thatrise to the surface of the fluid and creates an aesthetically pleasingeffect.

In contrast to the air channels 160 of the pump 120 shown in FIGS. 8 and9, the air channels 306 of the pump 300 shown in FIG. 14 do not extendthrough the back housing member 115 toward the motor member 101.Therefore, the pump 300 is designed to eliminate a risk of water leakageinto the motor member 101 from the openings 309 of the air channels 306.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective side view of another alternativeembodiment of a pump 350 according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure. The pump 350 is similar to the pumps 100, 120, and 300 ofFIGS. 1, 8, and 14, respectively. Accordingly, identical or equivalentelements are identified by the same reference numerals for the sake ofclarity, and the following discussion focuses primarily on thedifferences. The pump 350 includes a back housing member 115 and backcover 131 similar to the ones of the pump 100 (FIG. 1). However, thepump 350 has a front cover 354 that is different than either of thefront cover 119 of pumps 100, 120, and 300. In particular, the pump 350includes air channels 358 that are integral to the front cover 354. Eachof the air channels 354 has an air input opening 362 and another opening366 for air output that is proximate to one of the output ports 501.

Now provided is a discussion of the operation of the pump 350. Theoperation of the pump 350 is similar to the operation of the pumps 120(FIG. 8) and 300 (FIG. 14) and therefore, the discussion below focusesprimarily on the differences. In operation, the openings 362 of the airchannels 358 rise above the water level for example above the waterlevel of the basin. The flow of the fluid across the openings 366encourages a flow of air from the openings 362 to the openings 366 ofthe air channels 358. That is, the flow of fluid across or over theopenings 366 generates a suction force that causes air to flow in theopenings 362 through the air channels 358 and out the openings 366. Thisair flow is combined with the disrupted fluid that is displaced throughthe output ports 501. As a result, the fluid and air is outputtedthrough the output ports 501 to produce a jet stream of fluid and aircombined. The air flow produces bubbles that rise to the surface of thefluid and creates an aesthetically pleasing effect.

In contrast to the air channels 160 of the pump 120 shown in FIGS. 8 and9, the air channels 358 of the pump 350 shown in FIG. 15 do not extendthrough the back cover 131 nor the back housing member 115 toward themotor member 101. Therefore, the pump 350 is designed to eliminate arisk of water leakage into the motor member 101 from the openings 366 ofthe air channels 358.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective side view of yet another alternativeembodiment of a pump 380 according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure. The pump 380 is similar to the pumps 100, 120, 300, and 350of FIGS. 1, 8, 14, and 15, respectively. Accordingly, identical orequivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals forthe sake of clarity, and the following discussion focuses primarily onthe differences. The pump 380 includes a back housing member 115 andfront cover 119 similar to the ones of the pump 100 (FIG. 1). However,the pump 380 also includes a detachable circular member 383 thatsecurely fits around the front cover 119 and against the back housingmember 115. A user of the pump 380 can put on or take off the detachablecircular member 383 as desired. The detachable circular member 383includes air input port channels 386. Each of the air channels 386includes one of the air input ports 389. The air input ports 389 allowair to enter the air channels 386. Moreover, each of the air inputopenings 389 includes threads for receiving an air-regulating device. Inparticular, the pump 380 has two regulating devices 392 that are screwedinto the air input openings 389 to regulate a flow of air as will beexplained in detail below. In addition, the detachable circular member383 includes two output air channels 395. The air output channels 395are disposed proximate to the output ports 501.

Referring to FIG. 17, illustrated is the detachable circular member 383.As better seen in FIG. 17, the circular member 383 is detachable.Moreover, referring to FIG. 18, illustrated is one of the regulatingdevice 392 that is used with the pump 380 (FIG. 16) as well as with thepumps 100, 120, 300, and 350 of FIGS. 1, 8, 14, and 15, respectively. Asshown in FIG. 18, the regulating device 392 includes a screw-typestructure having a cavity 398 along a shaft of the device. In thisregard, the deeper the regulating device 392 is threaded into the airinput opening 389, the smaller the opening becomes for air to flow intothe air input opening 389. Conversely, the shallower the regulatingdevice 392, the larger the opening for air to flow into the air inputopening 389.

Now provided is a discussion of the operation of the pump 380. Theoperation of the pump 380 is similar to the operation of the pumps 120(FIG. 8), 300 (FIG. 14), and 350 (FIG. 15) and therefore, the discussionbelow focuses primarily on the differences. In operation, the openings389 of the air channels 386 rise above the water level for example abovethe water level of the basin. The flow of the fluid across the openings395 encourages a flow of air from the openings 389 to the openings 395of the air channels 358. That is, the flow of fluid across or over theopenings 395 generates a suction force that causes air to flow in theopenings 389 through the air channels 386 and out the openings 395. Thisair flow is combined with the disrupted fluid that is displaced throughthe output ports 501. As a result, the fluid and air is outputtedthrough the output ports 501 to produce a jet stream of fluid and aircombined. The air flow produces bubbles that rise to the surface of thefluid and creates an aesthetically pleasing effect.

In the pump 380, the regulating devices 392 adjust the effective size ofthe openings 389. For example, the user can reduce the effective size ofthe openings 389 by screwing the regulating devices 392 deeper into theopenings 389. Conversely, the user can increase the effective opening ofthe air openings 389 by unscrewing the regulating device 392. In thismanner, the circular member 383 is designed with a mechanism foradjusting air flow through the air channels 386 and out the air outputports 395. In this regard, the regulating devices 392 are implemented tocontrol the amount of air and flow through the channels 386 and out theair output ports 395 of the pump 380.

Alternative designs can be used for allowing the user of a pump tocontrol the flow of air. For example, instead of the regulating devices392 having a cavity an alternative design can include regular screwswithout cavities. In that scenario, the circular member 383 may includeopenings along the side of the air channels 386 so that the deeper thescrews are placed into the air input openings, the smaller the effectiveair input opening. Conversely, the shallower the screws are placed inthe air input openings, the greater the effective opening for air. Inyet another embodiment, openings in the side of the air channels 386 maybe combined with the cylindrical that have cavities. In that regard, theuser can change the effective air opening of each of the air channel byvarying the alignment of the screw cavities with respect to the openingsalong the air channels.

Furthermore, in operation of the pump 380, the circular member 383 isdetachable and therefore the user can easily detach the circular member383 if they decide not to use the air feature. Moreover, the circularmember 383 can be used with the other embodiments of pumps disclosedherein.

Referring to FIG. 19, illustrated is a diagrammatic view of anembodiment of a jacuzzi system 400 according to various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The jucuzzi system 400 includes a tub or basin 402for containing a fluid 404, such as water. The basin 402 may includevarious shapes and sizes. The jacuzzi system 400 further includes aplurality of pumps 410 for generating a jet stream within the tub 402.The pumps 410 may include any of the various embodiments of pumpsdisclosed herein. It is understood that the number of pumps and theposition of the pumps may vary depending on a particular design. Thepumps 410 are coupled to a control box 420 for controlling the operationof the pumps by a user of the jacuzzi system 400. For example, the pumps410 may be controlled independently of each other such that one or moreof the pumps can be powered on/off, may be controlled according to aprogram that powers the pumps in various patterns or cycles, or may becontrolled using a timer. The control box 420 may be hard wired to apower source or may be a plug-in type. It is understood that althoughthe embodiment is disclosed with reference to a jacuzzi system, thepumps 420 may be utilized in various other applications such as a spapool and bathtub.

Alternative embodiments of the pumps discussed above may include feweror greater air channels having different structural configurations. Forexample, in an alternative embodiment of the jet pump the air channelsare replaced with one or more air channels each having one or moreopenings for receiving air, and each having one or more openings foroutputting air into the output ports of the jet pump. Further, othertypes of inert fluids and gas may be flowed instead of air. Moreover,alternative embodiments of the pumps discussed above may include airchannels that are positioned within different components of therespective pump.

While the preceding description shows and describes one or moreembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes in form and detail may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example,various steps of the described methods may be executed in a differentorder or executed sequentially, combined, further divided, replaced withalternate steps, or removed entirely. In addition, various functionsillustrated in the methods or described elsewhere in the disclosure maybe combined to provide additional and/or alternate functions. Therefore,the claims should be interpreted in a broad manner, consistent with thepresent disclosure.

1. A jet pump apparatus, comprising: a motor having a first shaft, themotor for rotating the first shaft; a first magnetic element coupled tothe first shaft such that rotation of the first shaft causes rotation ofthe first magnetic element; a second magnetic element coupled to asecond shaft, and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic elementsuch that rotation of the first magnetic element causes rotation of thesecond magnetic element; an input section for receiving a fluid; anoutput section for outputting the fluid; a channel having first andsecond openings; and an impeller coupled to the second magnetic elementsuch that rotation of the second magnetic element causes rotation of theimpeller, thereby the fluid flows in the input section and out theoutput section; wherein the flow of the fluid across the second openingof the channel encourages another fluid to flow in the first opening,through the channel, and out the second opening.
 2. The jet pumpapparatus of claim 1, wherein the second magnetic element is integralwith the impeller.
 3. The jet pump apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesecond opening of the channel is proximate the output section.
 4. Thejet pump apparatus of claim 1, further including a detachable jetassembly that includes the second magnetic element, the impeller, theinput section for receiving the fluid, the output section for outputtingthe fluid, and at least a portion of the channel, wherein the portion ofthe channel includes the second opening.
 5. The jet pump apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the detachable jet assembly includes a front cover anda back cover.
 6. The jet pump apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at leasta portion of the channel is integral with the back cover.
 7. The jetpump apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least a portion of the channelis integral with the front cover.
 8. The jet pump apparatus of claim 5,further including a mounting housing member that is disposed between theback cover of the jet assembly and the motor.
 9. The jet pump apparatusof claim 8, wherein the portion of the channel is formed within the backcover and another portion of the channel is formed within the mountinghousing member.
 10. The jet pump apparatus of claim 1, wherein thechannel is formed within a detachable channel member that is secured tothe jet pump such that the second opening is disposed proximate theoutput section of the jet pump.
 11. A method for displacing a fluidusing a magnetically coupled jet pump that includes a motor, a channel,and primary and secondary magnetic elements, the primary magneticelement being coupled to motor, the secondary magnet being magneticallycoupled to the primary magnetic element and being coupled to animpeller, the method comprising: driving the motor so that the primarymagnetic element rotates, thereby causing rotation of the secondarymagnetic element and rotation of the impeller; receiving the fluidthrough an input section of the jet pump; disturbing the fluid with therotating impeller; and outputting the fluid through an output section ofthe jet pump, the fluid passing over an opening of a channel encouragesair to flow through the channel and out the opening of the channel. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein the air flowing out of the opening ofthe channel travels out of the output section of the jet pump along withthe fluid.
 13. The method of claim 11, further including controllinganother opening of the channel to influence the flow of air through thechannel.
 14. The method of claim 11, further including: providing abasin for containing the fluid; and securing the jet pump within aninsert of the basin in a manner so that a portion of the jet pump is incontact with the fluid and another portion of the jet pump is not incontact with the fluid.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the jet pumpfurther includes a detachable jet assembly that includes a front coverand a back cover, the front and back covers collectively housing thesecondary magnetic element and the impeller; wherein the jet pumpfurther includes a mounting housing member that is disposed between theback cover and the motor; wherein the securing the jet pump includesmechanically securing the mounting housing member to the basin so thatthe motor is not in contact with the fluid.
 16. The method of claim 15,further including: forming a portion of the channel within the backcover; and forming another portion of the channel within the mountinghousing member.
 17. The method of claim 15, further including detachingthe jet assembly for cleaning the jet pump.
 18. The method of claim 11,further including: forming the channel having the opening and anotheropening within a detachable channel member; and securing the detachablechannel member to the jet pump such that the opening of the channel isdisposed proximate the output section of the jet pump and the anotheropening of the channel is disposed above a level of the fluid.
 19. Asystem, comprising: a basin for containing the fluid; a jet pump; and aninsert disposed in the basin for receiving the jet pump in a manner sothat a portion of the jet pump is disposed in the fluid; wherein the jetpump includes: a motor having a first shaft, the motor for rotating thefirst shaft; a first magnetic element coupled to the first shaft suchthat rotation of the first shaft causes rotation of the first magneticelement; a second magnetic element coupled to a second shaft, andmagnetically coupled to the first magnetic element such that rotation ofthe first magnetic element causes rotation of the second magneticelement; an input section for receiving the fluid; an output section foroutputting the fluid; a channel having first and second openings; and animpeller coupled to the second magnetic element such that rotation ofthe second magnetic element causes rotation of the impeller, thereby thefluid flows in the input section and out the output section, wherein theflow of the fluid across the second opening of the channel encouragesanother fluid to flow in the first opening, through the channel, and outthe second opening.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the systemincludes a pedicure spa system.
 21. The system of claim 19, wherein thesystem includes a jacuzzi system, wherein the jacuzzi system includesanother jet pump and another insert in the basin for receiving theanother jet pump in a manner so that a portion of the another jet pumpis disposed in fluid.
 22. The system of claim 19, wherein the jet pumpfurther includes a detachable jet assembly that includes the secondmagnetic element, the impeller, the input section for receiving thefluid, the output section for outputting the fluid, and a portion of thechannel, wherein the portion of the channel includes the second opening.23. The system of claim 21, wherein the detachable jet assembly includesa front cover and a back cover, and wherein the jet pump furtherincludes a mounting housing member that is disposed between the backcover of the jet assembly and the motor.
 24. The system of claim 23,wherein the portion of the channel is formed within the back cover andanother portion of the channel is formed within the mounting housingmember.
 25. The system of claim 19, wherein the channel is formed withina detachable channel member that is secured to the jet assembly suchthat the first opening is disposed above a level of the fluid in thebasin and the second opening is disposed proximate the output section ofthe jet pump.
 26. The system of claim 19, wherein the fluid includeswater and the another fluid includes air; wherein the second opening ofthe channel is proximate the output section; and wherein the air flowingout of the second opening travels through the output section and intothe fluid contained in the basin.